A Ruler of Iron

25 January

Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel. Psalm 2:9

SUGGESTED FURTHER READING: Isaiah 63:1-6

Christ has such power that He reigns over even those who are averse to His authority and refuse to obey Him. Psalm 2:9 implies that everyone will not voluntarily receive Christ’s yoke; many will be stiff-necked and rebellious. But even those He will subdue by force and compel them to submit to Him.

The beauty and glory of the kingdom David speaks of here are obvious when people willingly run to Christ in the day of His power and shoe themselves as His obedient subjects. But the greater number of people will rise up against this king with a violence that spurns all restraint. So the psalmist states here that this king will prove himself superior to all such opposition. God exhibited a specimen of this unconquerable power in war primarily in the person of David, who vanquished and overthrew many enemies by force of arms. But the prediction is more fully verified in Christ, who, neither by sword nor spear, but by the breath of His mouth, smites the ungodly to their utter destruction.

While the prophets in other parts of Scripture celebrate the meekness, the mercy, and the gentleness of our Lord, the psalmist describes Him here as rigorous, austere, and full of terror. But His severe and dreadful sovereignty is set before us here only to strike alarm into His enemies. Furthermore, it is not at all inconsistent with the kindness with which Christ tenderly and sweetly cherishes His people. He who is a loving shepherd to His gentle sheep must also treat wild beasts with severity, either to convert them from their cruelty or effectually to restrain it.

John Calvin

FOR MEDITATION: One day, every knee will bow to Christ the King. Think about that today as you interact with people and hear what they are doing. Will they and you bow in adoration or terror before the Son of the living God?

365 Days With Calvin

Selected and Edited By Joel R. Beeke